First, I teach all the BJJ classes at my Dojo. I am affiliated with the Pits Penn Submission School out of New Jersey and am a Black Belt in BJJ with over 20 years experience. I also have been banded as a master level instructor (black/red arm band) in Muay Thai. I served 10 years in the Army as an Airborne Ranger and have had extensive training in Krav Maga and other combative arts.

I then sent another email if he received a Black Belt from Renzo. I am still awaiting a reply.

Hmmm... I kinda had a feeling about that when the instructor who promoted him to BB was missing from his pimping self promo page. I don't know of any decent & reputable bjj instructors that are not poud of their lineage. Usually a red flag when that is missing.

Well, Mark Shopp does not claim to be anything that he is not. On his page it talks about his experience and does not make a claim of having a certain belt or anything like that. Mark Shopp does have a pro MMA record and I did find some grappling competition records from 2004 where he did some advanced sub grappling tournaments and placed 3rd.

I have no problem with that. I just don't like it when people say they are black belts in BJJ and in fact are not.

Well, Mark Shopp does not claim to be anything that he is not. On his page it talks about his experience and does not make a claim of having a certain belt or anything like that. Mark Shopp does have a pro MMA record and I did find some grappling competition records from 2004 where he did some advanced sub grappling tournaments and placed 3rd.

I have no problem with that. I just don't like it when people say they are black belts in BJJ and in fact are not.

Not that it matters but his pro record appears to be 1-3-0, with the most recent fight being 2002. He could be a good grappler, but I didn't think he was a BB just based on his bio page.

Like I said, Mr. Shopp never states he had any ranks in any arts, just states his training experience. Mr. Shopp has made no claims except that he is a coach, fighter and submission grappling competitor. All of those things he claims to be, he is.